The Quercus L. genus is made of a group of trees commonly known as oak. In total, there are 206 species of Quercus L. The Oak tree is a symbol for strength because of its durability. The word "Oak" means lumber, as the wood of the tree is durable and attractive and commonly used for lumber. The acorn is the fruit of the tree. The bark is also used for its extracts. All of the species contain the extract quercetin, which is commonly used in energy drinks.

Quercus roburgrows up to 100 feet tall and lives for up to 800 years.

Picture of the tree quercus coccinea (Scarlet Oak)

The Scarlet Oak or quercus coccinea is native to the Northeastern United States and only grows to be 80 feet tall.

Photo of Quercus L.

Geographical Information

Quercus L. is found all over the United States, with different species concentrated in different areas. The Oak tree is found all over the world, but many of the most popular brands originated in the United States. The Oak tree favors Northern temperate climates.

Human Use
Oak trees are commonly used for their lumber. The wood that comes from the tree is durable, and fashionable. It is often used to make hardwood floors and furniture.

Humans can also use things that are extracted from the bark of the tree.The flavonoid quercetin, is one of the most useful extracts that comes from the oak tree. It got its name from the Quercus tree. Although quercetin has not been approved as a treatment for any diseases, there are many signs that there are health benefits. Because it acts like an antihistamine and an anti-inflammatory, it aids in relieving many diseases and is especially helpful with the following ailments:

Heart Disease

High Cholesterol

Hypertension

Allergies

Rhumeatoid Arthritis

Cancer

Aside from the natural sources listed about, quercetin supplements are available in pill or capsule form.

Quercetin in Energy DrinksQuercetin is the inspiring ingredient in FRS Energy Drinks. FRS Energy Drinks were created to help people avoid getting tired while working out. To do this, the drink called on queretin's ability to naturally boost the body's mitochondrian production. FRS advertises quercetin's ability to "provide sustained energy, increased endurance, [and] immune system support." One serving of FRS is equal to eating 40 apples. FRS claims there have been suffiecient studies to back up their claims, but most other sources say there has not yet been enough research to draw any conclusions. Possible negative side effects include headaches, and tingling of the eyes and legs and when taken with antibiotics, quercetin could decrease effectiveness. Extreme doses (more than 772mg per day) could cause kidney damage. FRS only averages 325mg per serving.

Quercetin is naturally and most commonly obtained through fruits and vegatables:

apples

blueberries

onions

parsley

sage

tea

red wine

cauliflower cabbage

Flavanoids help to give fruits their pigments. Because quercetin is a flavanoid, it is often found in the skins of apples, the skin being the part that has color.

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